Global wind and solar company Mainstream Renewable Power has closed a deal to sell its 7.65 megawatt Carrickeeny Wind Farm to IKEA, one of the world's largest furniture retailer.

Mainstream has commenced construction of the project which is located in Leitrim in the North West of Ireland and it is expected to be operational in early 2014 at which point IKEA will purchase the plant. As part of the deal Mainstream will continue operate and maintain the wind farm on behalf of IKEA for its 20 year lifespan.

The IKEA Group has plans to invest £1.5bn in wind energy and solar programmes up to 2015. Wind energy is a key part of IKEA Group’s sustainability strategy to generate as much renewable energy as it consumes by 2020. This acquisition will increase the total number of wind turbines that the IKEA Group has committed to owning and operating to 137.

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Joanna Yarrow, Head of Sustainability IKEA UK and Ireland said: "Our investments in renewable energy not only help to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from our operations in Ireland, but also, together with our energy efficiency efforts, help to control our electricity costs so we can pass any benefits to our customers by continuing to offer high quality home furnishings at low prices. Companies, individuals or governments – we all have responsibility to address the resource dilemma and commit to a more sustainable future. Producing our own, affordable, renewable electricity gets us one step closer to becoming completely energy independent by 2020, while ensuring our commercial success."

(CD)